Anko Kicks Off 2026 With Decluttering and Storage Workshop for Filipino Homes

As 2026 begins, many Filipino families are embracing a renewed desire for a cleaner, calmer, and more organized home. After the busy holiday season filled with gatherings, guests, and everyday clutter, the new year offers the perfect opportunity to reset. Tapping into this fresh start mindset, Anko, Australia’s popular home and lifestyle brand, recently hosted a Decluttering and Storage Workshop at Anko TriNoma, helping households build smarter, more sustainable organization habits.

The workshop was led by Christine Dychiao, the first Filipina KonMari®-certified consultant and founder of Tidying From Within. Instead of promoting a once-a-year overhaul, the session focused on practical, affordable storage solutions that make daily living easier. Dychiao showed how Anko’s storage products can be used in different areas of the home, from bedrooms and bathrooms to kitchens and shared family spaces, making organization more accessible for Filipino households.

The event also marked Anko’s first community-focused activity of 2026, highlighting the brand’s commitment to improving everyday living through quality products at budget-friendly prices.

Start With the Spaces That Matter Most

According to Dychiao, the best place to begin decluttering is the area that affects your daily routine the most. “Start with the area that already overwhelms you. It could be your bedroom, your bathroom, or your closet. When that one space feels calmer, it changes the tone of your entire day,” she explained.

In bedrooms, Anko’s Bed Linen Boxes and Underbed Shoe Organizers help maximize space while keeping essentials tidy and easily accessible. These storage solutions reduce visual clutter and make mornings more efficient.

Storage That Looks Good and Works Well

Dychiao also emphasized the importance of choosing storage that blends naturally into your home. Instead of purely utilitarian bins, warm neutrals, textured finishes, and linen-look materials create a more relaxed and intentional feel. Anko’s baskets and organizers are designed to complement different home styles while still offering functional storage.

In the kitchen, clear turntables, fridge organizers, and spinning trays keep frequently used items visible and accessible. These tools not only save time but also help reduce food waste by making it easier to see what you already have.

Organization as Everyday Wellness

Beyond keeping spaces neat, organizing supports mental and emotional well-being. A well-arranged home reduces stress, improves daily flow, and encourages healthier habits. From neatly stored food containers to visible self-care essentials, small organization choices can have a big impact.

With its affordable and stylish storage solutions, Anko continues to support Filipino families as they embrace a fresh start in 2026. Through regular workshops and accessible home products, the brand is making everyday living brighter, calmer, and more organized.

Vivo X300 Series Brings Concert Moments Closer With Powerful Stage Mode 2.0

MANILA, PHILIPPINES — The best concerts aren’t just watched; they’re felt. For fans and content creators who live for capturing unforgettable moments from the crowd, Vivo introduces the X300 Series—a smartphone built to transform distant, fast-paced concert scenes into vivid, front-row stories worth sharing.

Designed specifically for live events, the Vivo X300 Series delivers a major leap in mobile videography with its enhanced Stage Mode 2.0. This feature supports up to 30x video zoom while maintaining impressive clarity, stability, and detail—even amid dramatic lighting changes, nonstop movement, and high-energy performances. Whether you’re filming from the middle of the crowd or the back of the venue, the X300 Series ensures every moment stays sharp and immersive.

The concert-ready capabilities of the Vivo X300 Series were recently showcased in a viral TikTok video by Ms. Liu Lu, Brand Marketing Director of Vivo Philippines. Filmed during a live New Year’s Eve performance at “The 5th,” the video captured pulsating lights, sweeping stage movements, and booming audio with remarkable precision. The real-world footage demonstrated how the X300 Series doesn’t just keep up with live concerts—it elevates the entire viewing experience.

Zooming in without dropping the beat

Concerts are fast, unpredictable, and full of emotion. Artists jump across the stage, lights flash in sync with the music, and crowds move as one. The Vivo X300 Series rises to the challenge by allowing users to zoom in deeply without sacrificing atmosphere or motion. During G22’s live performance at #NYEAtThe5th, the smartphone once again proved its strength, delivering immersive zoomed-in footage that pulled viewers closer without disrupting the rhythm of the moment.

Beyond its powerful zoom, the Vivo X300 Series offers advanced features that help users tell richer stories. The 4K Stage All-in-One Recording captures crisp, detailed footage even in highly dynamic environments, making every replay feel as immersive as being there. Dual-View Stage Video records using two cameras simultaneously, allowing users to capture the full stage while also including personal reactions for more engaging content. Meanwhile, 4K 60fps Portrait Video delivers smooth, high-quality videos with natural depth and background blur—perfect for close-up concert moments.

From massive stadium shows to intimate street performances, countdown concerts to unforgettable encores, the Vivo X300 Series removes distance from memory-making. Priced starting at Php 67,999, the Vivo X300 Series is available at Vivo concept stores nationwide and through official online channels.

Globe, the Most Reliable Network for iPhone, Brings Back Flagship Forever

Globe announces the return of its "Flagship Forever" program, offering the latest generation of iPhones: iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max, to customers with enhanced accessibility and value. The Flagship Forever subscription allows customers to upgrade every year without waiting for their contract to end, guaranteeing effortless access to the newest flagship devices.

Globe continues its commitment to bringing the best network experience, as it was hailed the most consistent network for iPhone based on analysis by Ookla® of Speedtest Intelligence® iPhone Consistency Score in the Philippines for the first half of 2025, with the latest and most desired technology within easy reach, offering competitive deals, flexible payment options, and exclusive digital perks to enhance every customer's digital lifestyle.

“We are thrilled to bring back Flagship Forever, making it easier than ever for our customers to experience the newest iPhone technology every year. Coupled with our consistently recognized best network for iPhone in the Philippines, this program underscores Globe’s commitment to providing unparalleled value and the best possible digital lifestyle for our Postpaid customers,” said Globe Vice President for Consumer Mobile Business Eric Tanbauco.

Affordable with Globe Postpaid

Globe Postpaid customers can experience the latest handsets through these exclusive, value-driven plans:

• iPhone 17: Now available at an affordable cashout of just Php 2,188 monthly for 24 months with the All-New GPlan Plus 999. This powerful plan now includes 20GB of Mobile Data, Unlimited Calls & Texts, Data Swapping, Unli 5G for 12 months, No Expiry Points, and a 1-month free subscription to Gadget Xchange.

• iPhone Air: Get the highly anticipated iPhone Air at an affordable cashout of just Php1,458 monthly for 24 months with GPlan 2499. The plan comes loaded with 25GB of Mobile Data, Unlimited Calls & Texts, and a 1-month free subscription to Flagship Forever with Gadget Xchange.

Power Up with Unli 5G

Globe is elevating the GPlan Plus experience by integrating Unli 5G for 12 months into the All-New GPlan Plus plans (799 and up). This allows iPhone 17 users to experience hyper-fast speeds, seamless streaming, and instant downloads across Globe's rapidly expanding 5G network. Globe 5G now spans over 3,000 outdoor and 40 indoor locations, delivering cutting-edge connectivity to more Filipinos nationwide.

Customers seeking the premium experience of the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max can enjoy the convenience of the Platinum GPlan.

• iPhone 17 Pro: Now available at an affordable cashout of just Php 1,592 monthly for 24 months with Platinum GPlan 3799 with a 3-month free subscription to Flagship Forever. Effectively, your Php 599 add on fee starts at month 4 of 24 months.

• iPhone 17 Pro Max: Now available at an affordable cashout of just Php1,550 monthly for 24 months with Platinum GPlan 4999 which now includes free Flagship Forever Subscription for 24 months.

This elite Platinum package ensures an unparalleled experience, including true unlimited data, unlimited calls and texts to all networks and landline, access to local airport lounges (via PAGSS and Plaza Premium), Platinum exclusive perks and privileges, and round-the-clock access to Thea of Globe Platinum via Facebook Messenger. Plus, customers get to enjoy priority stocks and delivery as part of their Platinum advantage.

Customers can grab their new iPhone from Globe Stores nationwide or shop instantly at the Globe Online Shop. For maximum flexibility, customers can choose 0% installment options for up to 24 months with partner credit cards (BPI, UnionBank, Metrobank, RCBC, and HSBC).

Visit https://shop.globe.com.ph/ to learn more about the new iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max offers.

Building an AI-Ready PH: PLDT and Smart Champion Accessible, Responsible AI for National Progress

As adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) accelerates across the Philippines, it is crucial to ensure that the benefits of this technology reach as many sectors as possible to enable inclusive digital growth.

For 2026, PLDT Inc (PLDT) leads the country's participation in the global artificial intelligence (AI) landscape with a strategy that invests in leadership, infrastructure, and communities.

The company's significant investments in AI infrastructure include the country's largest integrated fixed and wireless networks, and VITRO Sta Rosa (VSR), the country's first hyperscale data center built specifically for AI workloads, which was inaugurated by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr and PLDT Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan last year. Located in Laguna’s fast-growing tech corridor, VSR is developed by VITRO Inc., PLDT Group's data center arm.

VSR also hosts Pilipinas AI, the country’s first sovereign AI solutions stack, which aims to enable Philippine enterprises to tap into AI’s full potential without the burden of building or managing their own infrastructure. As a homegrown solution, Pilipinas AI also ensures that data and workloads remain locally hosted, enabling both private and public sectors to access world-class AI capabilities while keeping their data and workloads securely hosted within Philippine borders.

Spearheading this transformation, PLDT SVP and Head of Enterprise Business Group Blums S. Pineda was appointed as PLDT Group AI Business Lead, reinforcing the company’s focus on building AI capabilities that empower businesses and communities.

According to Pineda, PLDT Enterprise is developing a range of AI use cases for industries such as banking, finance services and insurance, business process outsourcing, healthcare, government, and utilities. These use cases aim to optimize processes, increase productivity, and ultimately enhance customer experience.

"With our AI-ready ecosystem, and our investments in our infrastructure and in our people, the PLDT Group is ready to help more Filipino communities, businesses, and enterprises embrace and harness the benefits of AI to boost productivity, competitiveness, and innovation," Pineda said.

Championing responsible AI use

With its wireless subsidiary Smart Communications, Inc (Smart), PLDT is also gearing up to continue leading the country's multi-sectoral thrust into unlocking the potential of AI in enabling efficiencies in government, schools and universities, non-government organizations (NGOs), micro, medium and small enterprises (MSMEs), media groups, and other community-based organizations, making AI accessible, practical and relevant to more Filipinos.

“We are not just introducing communities to AI. We are leading the way in championing its responsible and meaningful use,” said Stephanie V. Orlino, Assistant Vice President and Head of Stakeholder Engagement at PLDT and Smart. “Across schools, local government units, enterprises, and media, we are actively pushing for AI adoption that improves how people work, serve, and create value in their communities. Our role is to make sure AI is not intimidating or exclusive, but empowering and usable today.”

In 2025, PLDT and Smart launched “AI-in-a-Box”, their digital empowerment initiative that brings AI closer to communities by equipping them with the tools, connectivity, training, and support they need to thrive in an AI-driven world. Among those who were reached by this program are local government workers in the Bicol Region and Balanga in Bataan. PLDT and Smart have also integrated AI upskilling in their education, livelihood, and inclusion programs, reaching students, teachers, universities, MSMEs, and business owners from Baguio to BARMM.

Among them was Nisa Ibrahim of Lemba Nu Bangsamoro Marketing Cooperative, who attended one of PLDT and Smart's learning sessions in August last year. “We have heard about artificial intelligence before, but we didn’t understand how it actually works. We have so many products, but we didn’t know how to promote them online. Now, we’ve gained valuable new knowledge, which we really hope will help our business become successful.”

In cooperation with ATRIEV (Adaptive Technology for Rehabilitation, Integration, and Empowerment of the Visually Impaired), PLDT and Smart were also able to hold AI for Accessibility trainings, where AI-powered tools were introduced to teachers, parents of persons with disabilities, and digital skills trainers, highlighting how AI can help break barriers in communication, education and access to information for PWDs.

Collaborating with partners from regional media groups in Metro Manila, Cebu, Eastern Visayas, Cagayan de Oro, and Davao, PLDT and Smart also conducted workshops and trainings on equipping local journalists with AI skills, integrating artificial intelligence tools and digital security measures into modern newsroom operations, while reinforcing the values of ethical and responsible journalism.

To further support the media sector, PLDT and Smart also provided their media partners across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao with AI-in-a-Box kits for newsroom use. Each kit includes Smart connectivity through a Smart Home WiFi 5G+ device with a starter load, along with access to a premium AI tool that journalists can use for research, analysis, writing, ideation, and workflow support.

Equipping youth innovators

Recently, PLDT and Smart gathered students from various Metro Manila colleges and universities in the DATAxYOUTH AI Innovation Challenge held at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, a hackathon that aimed to empower young innovators to leverage big data and AI in designing solutions that address real-world challenges, demonstrating how technology can improve lives, services, and communities.

Contestants from the Technological Institute of the Philippines (TIP) and National University (NU) emerged as top innovators in the event, with pitches focused on detecting fake news on YouTube, monitoring flood control projects and evaluating their impact on flood-prone communities, and integrating existing early warning systems for real-time flood monitoring and faster emergency response for LGUs.

PLDT and Smart’s broader thrust to empower communities through technology, and is aligned with the Group's commitment towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — particularly SDG 4 on Quality Education, which promotes digital literacy and lifelong learning, and SDG 9 on Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, which encourages the responsible use of digital and AI technologies to foster innovation.

Drakong to Unveil InfinaKore ‘Telecaster® Edition’ Guitar Controller at CES 2026 in Las Vegas

Los Angeles, CA – Drakong™, a Los Angeles–based gaming hardware innovator, is set to make waves at CES® 2026 with the global debut of its highly anticipated InfinaKore ‘Telecaster® Edition’ Guitar Controller. From January 6–9, 2026, Las Vegas will host the first-ever hands-on experience of this next-generation guitar controller, designed to redefine rhythm gaming through modular design, accessibility, and professional-grade performance.

Alongside the hardware reveal, Drakong announced a major collaboration with Echo Foundry Interactive for its upcoming rhythm title, Sound System™. Founded by industry veterans Marcus Henderson and Lennon Lange—known for their work on Guitar Hero™, DJ Hero™, and Band Hero™—Echo Foundry aims to bring guitar gaming back to its arcade roots while introducing a modern, community-driven platform. Sound System allows players to shred guitar, sing vocals, and even create custom note charts for any song, empowering creators, streamers, and competitive players alike.

Sound System will be fully optimized for the InfinaKore ‘Telecaster® Edition’, forming a seamless partnership from day one. The game features a dedicated Pro Mode with competitive DDR-style scoring and strict missed-note penalties, making controller precision essential. With this in mind, InfinaKore is engineered to deliver the reliability and responsiveness high-level players demand to stay at the top of the leaderboard.

First announced in June 2025, the InfinaKore ‘Telecaster® Edition’ is a revolutionary modular guitar controller scheduled for release in 2026. Key features include a fully modular design with customizable components such as the body, fret buttons, tuner head, whammy bar, and strum bar. Drakong will also release public 3D print files at launch, encouraging community customization. Built with accessibility at its core, InfinaKore offers open-source mods to support players of all abilities, along with a brand-new Fret-Tapping D-Pad gameplay mechanic.

With versatile wired, wireless, and Bluetooth connectivity and broad platform support across Xbox®, PC, Nintendo Switch™, and more, the InfinaKore is built for the modern gaming ecosystem. Celebrating the Telecaster®’s 75th anniversary in 2026, Drakong proudly brings the iconic Fender® design to a new generation of gamers. Attendees at CES® and ShowStoppers® Las Vegas will have exclusive opportunities to try the controller live, marking a major milestone in the future of rhythm gaming.